Current:Home > MarketsHere's how one airline is planning to provide a total eclipse experience — from 30,000 feet in the air-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Here's how one airline is planning to provide a total eclipse experience — from 30,000 feet in the air
lotradecoin FAQ View Date:2024-12-26 03:04:11
In a move that has captured the imagination of skywatchers and travelers alike, Delta Air Lines is setting the stage and offering two special flights that will allow flyers to witness next week's total solar eclipse from the best vantage point possible.
The flights will take place on Monday, with one going from Austin to Detroit and a second route from Dallas to Detroit. Both sold out in 24 hours. These flights were strategically chosen to skirt the path of the eclipse, with a special detour over southeast Missouri planned for the optimal viewing experience. There, the aircraft will perform a meticulous 30-degree bank on either side, granting passengers a rare four-minute glimpse of the eclipse.
Passengers will also be given specialized glasses to provide eye safety to witness the total solar eclipse, which will be visible from Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.
"I think that we're gonna be able to provide a really unique experience," said Captain Phil Marshall, who, alongside Captain Phil Daniels, will take the helm for the flight.
The challenge of syncing the flights with the moon's swift shadow, which races across the United States at over 1,500 miles per hour, falls on the shoulders of Delta's operations and customer center. Flight Superintendent Erin Wehrman and her team are tasked with navigating the planes not only from point A to point B, but also in alignment with the eclipse.
"We're traveling at about 400 miles per hour, so the sun is actually going to be catching up to us. So we're taking off before it even hit the U.S. border on the south end, and it will catch up to us," said Wehrman.
Weather also plays a crucial role in the day's success. Delta meteorologist Warren Weston is on standby, ready to steer the flights above any potential cloud cover, ensuring a clear view of the eclipse.
Meanwhile, pilots are preparing for the flight of a lifetime.
"This is fantastic for me," said Marshall. "It's always, every day's like a dream come true for us as pilots."
- In:
- Eclipse
Manuel Bojorquez is a CBS News national correspondent based in Miami.
Twitter InstagramveryGood! (3)
Related
- Gena Rowlands, acting powerhouse and star of movies by her director-husband, John Cassavetes, dies
- Ellen DeGeneres says she went to therapy amid toxic workplace scandal in final comedy special
- Oklahoma Gov. Stitt returns to work after getting stent in blocked artery
- Margaret Qualley Reveals Why Husband Jack Antonoff Lied to Her “First Crush” Adam Sandler
- White House says deals struck to cut prices of popular Medicare drugs that cost $50 billion yearly
- Judge approves $600 million settlement for residents near fiery Ohio derailment
- 2024 WNBA playoffs bracket: Standings, matchups, first round schedule and results
- US public schools banned over 10K books during 2023-2024 academic year, report says
- A slain teacher loved attending summer camp. His mom is working to give kids the same opportunity
- 'The hardest thing': Emmanuel Littlejohn, recommended for clemency, now facing execution
Ranking
- Britney Spears' Ex Sam Asghari Reveals Special Girl in His Life—But It's Not What You Think
- Amy Poehler reacts to 'Inside Out 2' being Beyoncé's top movie in 2024
- Wisconsin mayor carts away absentee ballot drop box, says he did nothing wrong
- ‘System of privilege’: How well-connected students get Mississippi State’s best dorms
- Clint Eastwood's Son Scott Shares How Family Is Doing After Death of Christina Sandera
- Judge lets over 8,000 Catholic employers deny worker protections for abortion and fertility care
- Utah State joining Pac-12, which has now snapped up five Mountain West schools
- Artem Chigvintsev's Lawyer Gives Update on Nikki Garcia Divorce
Recommendation
-
Austin Dillon loses automatic playoff berth for actions in crash-filled NASCAR win
-
Father of teenage suspect in North Carolina mass shooting pleads guilty to gun storage crime
-
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says New York City mayor should resign
-
Anna Delvey's 'DWTS' run ends in elimination: She never stood a chance against critics.
-
Charlie Sheen’s Daughter Sami Sheen Undergoes Plastic Surgery for Droopy Nose
-
Spotted: Katie Holmes With a $35 Tote & Rocking the Barn Jacket Trend (Plus Affordable Picks Under $100)
-
Why Savannah Chrisley Feels “Fear” Ahead of Mom Julie Chrisley’s Resentencing
-
New York court is set to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of his $489 million civil fraud verdict